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Charmed Lifestyle

Tough Love, the web series, premiered on YouTube November 10, 2015. The series is centered on the lives of six millennials living life and pursuing dreams in NYC. The show airs every other Tuesday. As of this posting, four episodes are available.

​A couple of weeks ago I was introduced to an exciting new web series, Tough Love. I hurried to YouTube to check it out with the intention of watching one episode, to get an idea of what the show is about. I couldn't help but to watch all 3 episodes (episode 4 has since been posted). Yea, the show is that good. For starters, Tough Love gives us a wonderful cast of characters who are so easy to identify with. Recall how 80’s babies connected to the cast of A Different World, how 90’s kids fell in love with shows like Martin and Moesha. The connection with the cast of Tough Love is in that same vein because each character is ‘just like’ someone you know in your own life. In my book, the show is a winner. Read on and I’ll tell you several reasons that I am now a fan of the web series, Tough Love.

​As you all may already know, Truly Charmed is all about encouraging dreamers to kick all obstacles to the side in pursuit of turning their goals into reality. Caleb Davis (Director and Executive Producer) and Roni Simpson (Writer and Producer) made the series happen with their dedicated cast, a crew of three, and the dynamics of guerilla filmmaking. I respect this sort of passion and determination. Their story is nothing less than inspiring!

I pretty much gave you the deets on my affinity for this wonderful cast in the intro. They’re a close-knit group of friends who are living life, pursuing dreams, and we get to witness the ups and downs, in’s and out’s of their lives. It gets very, very interesting. The element that I love is that, for the most part, each person has that go-getter, higher achiever mentality. In my opinion, this cast certainly fills a void in today's entertainment atmosphere.

​Yes indeed, I am a hopeless romantic. For those who haven’t watched the series, let me tell you about a character, who, to most, might seem hopeless-Jordan, the woman scorned. It’s very obvious that she’s been hurt in the past, and has put up a huge wall to protect herself. How many of us can identify with that? Well, she has met a guy who is determined to get to her heart. I am convinced that he will win her over. I am very interested to see how this unfolds.

​There was Duane and Whitley. There was Martin and Gina. On Tough Love, there’s Quincy and Alicia. There’s always that one couple who makes you believe in love. That one couple who we can’t help but to root for. Quincy and Alicia are the cutest couple. They work together. They play together. Are they without their trials? Nah. Interestingly, Alicia dropped a bombshell during a therapy session. I was not expecting it! I really want to know how/when Quincy will find out, and hopefully it will not mean the end of their relationship. We shall see…

​One part of the storyline involves the characters divulging very personal information during therapy sessions. During these sessions, you get to know details about the characters that, otherwise, might not be revealed. I also enjoy the incorporation of real-world questions about relationships during these sessions. These are issues that we all wonder about and discuss on a day-to-day basis.

​I am a music lover to the core. No matter the genre, I just love good music. Each episode of Tough Love features music from talented, up and comping artists. What’s great is that links and information about each artist are provided in the description box of each episode. I am all about supporting true talent. Check them out and support!

​My only gripe with the show—I wish that it aired weekly, instead of biweekly! Episode 5 can’t come quickly enough! Check out the official trailer below.

How important are belts in your wardrobe? For me, they are an essential ingredient to a well-styled outfit. Choosing the right belt for both your outfit and body type can boost your look to a whole new level. This is why I’m excited to have learned about keepyourpantson.com, a site dedicated to women’s belts! Read on to learn more about this cutting edge company.

​I love companies that specialize! Why? Those companies that specialize in a particular product are not stretched in so many different directions, and they are able to be true authorities on the products that they offer. KeepYourPantsOn.com is an authority when it comes to women’s belts. Here’s the company’s mission: To bring to belts the same excitement and thrill-of-the-hunt that is associated with shopping for shoes and bags. Seeing the variety of belts and accessories on the company’s website is, no doubt, an exciting experience. Among the choices available are a great selection of belt styles (e.g. wide, narrow), handmade belts, beautiful belt buckles, and accessories. The site also has several user-friendly bonuses that contribute to a wonderful shopping experience.

​Here are a couple of those features that make buying at keepyourpantson.com a fabulous experience:

Sizing Guide

​Oftentimes when you’re shopping online, a company will offer a sizing guide, and a sizing guide is all that you will get. Fortunately, at keepyourpantson.com, the company offers a sizing guide and resourceful tips so that you can be sure to pick that belt that gives you a great fit.

Design-A-Belt

​Yes! There’s the opportunity to design your own belt. First, you choose a belt strap from the site’s collection of leather strap belts or reversible ribbon straps. Next, you pick the buckle of your choice. Before you know it, you have your very own, custom belt!

​Though it was very hard to choose, here are some of my favorite items on the site.

​Exciting announcement! Keepyourpantson.com, in partnership with figure & fit expert Catherine Schuller and image consultant and personal brand strategist, Margaret Batting, will debut a series of how-to videos that show women how to choose the belt for your body type. This is unique because there are many, many tutorials that tell us how to choose the right belt for our outfit, but keepyourpantson.com will be filling a void by showing us how to pick the best belt based on our unique body shapes. I am looking forward to their series of how-to videos, slated to be released this month (December, 2015). Be sure that you have connected to keepyourpantson.com on their website and across social media so that you are among the first to know when the videos are posted. The series will be available on YouTube and the social media pages for keepyourpantson.com, Catherine Schuller, and Margaret Batting. Stay tuned!

A few posts ago (All I Want for Christmas) I talked about my love for theater and live performances, especially during the holidays. I don’t know about you, but I am super excited about The Wiz Live, which will air on NBC, Thursday December 3rd at 8/7c. Yes, we all enjoy the traditional holiday shows such as Charlie Brown, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, It’s A Wonderful Life, etc. It’s refreshing to see a classic being revamped with a new cast, and the fact that the show will air live is icing on the cake.The Wiz opened on Broadway in 1975 with Stephanie Mills as Dorothy, Tasha Thomas as Aunt Em, Clarice Taylor as Addaperle, Dee Dee Bridgewater as Glinda, Andre DeShields as the Wiz, Tiger Haynes as the Tinman, Ted Ross as Lion, and Mabel King as Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West. The movie adaptation of the play opened in 1978 with a star-studded cast. In case you’re not familiar with The Wiz (movie), here’s a summary and the movie trailer:

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The Wiz Live!

​The Wiz Live welcomes a new cast which includes some of my favorite entertainers, so I am certain that my family and I will be glued to the television screen. I am really looking forward to seeing Mary J. Blige as the Wicked Witch of the West and David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion (he’s hilarious). You know that I love a story of a young lady finding her Charmed Life! Eighteen year old newcomer and New Jersey native, Shanice Williams, beat out hundreds of hopefuls to be cast as Dorothy. I can only imagine the excitement that she has experienced by being included in this stellar cast. See pics of the cast below!

This is sure to be a show that you don’t want to miss! Tune in to NBC on Thursday December 3rd at 8/7c for The Wiz Live! I will have my hot chocolate and a comfy blanket ready. Comment below and let me know if you'll be watching, too!

Author

Antoinette C. is a blogger who delights in all things that foster unity and growth in women. After all, if the woman is happy and fulfilled, so is her family and community. Through Truly Charmed, Antoinette will introduce you to women who have inspired her, and who will, hopefully, do the same for you! Here's to your charmed life!